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FIT FEET FOR A BETTER YOU!

Take the first steps to get back on track

The human foot is a marvel of biomechanical engineering that most of us take for granted until the system fails or breaks down. The average person will walk the equivalent of twice around the world in a lifetime, which is a long time on your feet.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Feet

Inspect your feet regularly and pay attention to changes in color, texture or appearance.

 

Maintain good foot hygiene, including washing and drying between the toes.pumice bar foot health age upkeepHydrate the skin. Australian weather and open shoes can cause rapid loss of moisture from the skin and may result in cracking or the formation of fissures. It is helpful to replace the moisture content by using lotions or creams on a regular basis.
toe foot ailment dry skin peeling toe fungus

Buy proper-size shoes. You may not wear the same size in shoes made by different manufacturers. Purchase new shoes late in the day, when feet tend to be at their largest. Always buy the shoes that feel the best.too small shoes black ballet flats heel pain

Don’t ignore foot pain Symptoms that increase or do not resolve within a reasonable period of time need to be evaluated by your podiatrist. Podiatrists get you moving, pain free and living an active life.

foot pain maintenance ailments upkeep heel pain

Cut toenails straight across. Never cut into the corners — this could cause an ingrown toenail. Gently file away sharp corners or rough edges with an emery board.proper toe nail cutting technique

Exercise – Walking is a great way to keep weight under control and is an excellent conditioner for the feet. Be sure to wear appropriate athletic shoes when exercising.

Alternate your shoes each day. Since the feet have sweat glands, your shoes will absorb moisture from your feet, so it is important to allow your shoes to dry out completely.Avoid walking barefoot to help protect your feet from injury and infection

Put sunblock on your feet while wearing sandals during the day to avoid sunburn.

Source: UCLA Health System, Happy Feet Plus, foothealthaustralia.org.au

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, please call us today for an appointment on 5223 1531

 

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.

 

INGROWN NAIL SURGERY

Nail surgery is a common procedure performed by most podiatrists to effectively treat an ingrown toenail: a nail that has pierced (or is pressing against) the adjacent skin of the toe causing pain and inflammation and sometimes infection.

Conditions this service treats

Surgery may be required when an ingrown toenail repeatedly gets infected, is continually painful, when the patient is unable to wear shoes or the condition inhibits work, sporting or other activities.

Before surgery is recommended, your podiatrist will explore other, more conservative treatment options.

How does the treatment work?

A ‘Partial Nail Avulsion’ (known as a PNA or nail root and matrix resection) is a minor nail procedure performed under local anaesthetic. The offending portion of the nail is gently lifted and trimmed away, generally without the toe being cut or stitched. Both sides or the entire nail may be removed this way. A chemical may also be used, at this point, to assist in preventing nail regrowth.

Prior to ingrown nail surgery your podiatrist will conduct a complete assessment, taking a medical history, a list of any medications that have been prescribed for you, as well as considering any other clinical factors that will determine whether or not this surgery is suited to you. An assessment will generally also include an examination of blood supply to the foot.

What are the benefits of this treatment

Ingrown nail surgery aims to permanently treat ingrown toenails The procedure is performed in the podiatrists’ rooms and takes around one hour. You will be able to walk immediately afterwards, however, you will need to have someone take you home after the procedure.

As with any surgical procedure there is some risk of complication, however, this procedure is known to be very safe and effective.
The most common side-effects are post-operative infection, in the short term, and the possibility of regrowth of the nail over time. The risks of infection can be minimised through good post-operative care and your podiatrist will advise and assist with your after surgery care.

WARNING
THIS INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE PROFESSIONAL PODIATRIC ADVICE. TREATMENT WILL VARY BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS DEPENDING UPON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND PRESENTING COMPLAINT. AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS CAN ONLY BE MADE FOLLOWING PERSONAL CONSULTATION WITH A PODIATRIST.